(Originally
appeared in the August 15, 2004 edition of the Century City News)
14 YEAR-OLD LAURA BROWNING
WINS $1,000 AND WILL HAVE HER DESIGN PRODUCED BY NAUTICA SWIMWEAR.
LOS ANGELES, CA, July 31, 2004—Nautica Blue, in conjunction
with Teen People, today announced the winner in the Nautica Blue “Design Your
Own Surfshirt and Graphic Contest” at Bloomingdale’s Century City. The winning design was created by 14 year-old
Laura Browning, of Orlando, Florida, who took home $1,000 in cash and will have
her surfshirt design produced by Nautica Swimwear and sold at select
Bloomingdale’s stores for the 2005 season.
“My surf shirt is stylish and original with its sassy pink
netting that compliments the light blue and makes the shirt stand out,” says
Browning. “It has tropical flowers on
the front, a look most people want when going to the beach. Plus, it combines colors such as light blue,
pink, orange, and black that draw attention and scream “Wow!” Browning considered fashion and function when designing her shirt,
and she adds, “My surf shirt is functional because it is versatile and brings
out the colors of hot, popular swimsuits.
It also acts as a cover-up to protect your skin from the sun, opposed to
dark-colored surf shirts that attract the sun.”
Browning, along with four other finalists, Candice LeBeau, 15; Ana Stone,
20; Melissa McNamara, 22; and Valerie Williams, 27, were flown out to Los
Angeles, CA the week of July 26th, to produce a prototype of their
design at Nautica’s warehouses. Following
a fashion show highlighting the five finalists’ designs, the judges voted, and
Browning was announced the winner. The
judges’ panel included Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Cabrera; Jorge
Ramon, Fashion Director, Teen People; Kathy Van Ness, President, Designer
Division Warnaco Swimwear; and Rachel Honore, Fashion Stylist. The public was also asked to vote for their
favorite designs in the weeks leading up to the event.
For the hundreds of teens who came to see the show, the highlight of the
event was a live performance by hot Atlantic Records recording artist, Ryan
Cabrera. Cabrera topped off the show
with four of his own songs, including his hit single, “On The Way Down,” and
signed autographs for herds of screaming fans before heading off for his
concert that evening. Cabrera is
currently touring with Jessica Simpson.
About Nautica Blue
Founded in 1983, Nautica is a leading global fashion and
lifestyle brand with products ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s
apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. In 2003 the company was acquired by VF
Corporation, the world’s largest apparel company and a leader in jeans,
intimate apparel, sportswear, playwear, work wear and daypacks.
About Teen People
TEEN PEOPLE, launched in January 1998, is a National
Magazine Award winner for General Excellence. With an editorial mix covering
celebrities and entertainment, fashion and beauty, and real teens and their
accomplishments, TEEN PEOPLE keeps its readers clued in to what’s now, what’s
next and what matters. Published 10
times a year with two newsstand special editions, TEEN PEOPLE’s guaranteed
circulation moves to 1.45 million, effective with its February 2004 issue.
About Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s, a division of Federated Department Stores, was founded in
1872 and with the addition of the new Soho store, will operate 32 stores in New
York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois,
Minnesota, Florida, California, Nevada and Georgia. For website access, log onto www.bloomingdales.com.
10250
Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067
